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Thread: Travel backpack
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Old Nov 2, 2023 | 9:52 pm
  #19  
freecia
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,533
Originally Posted by Hoyaheel
I have 12 on my list right now ;-) All 25-30L, and mostly in the $150-200 range. I sent my list & links to my husband - hopefully he'll have time to look over. Now he's worried I'll get a better backpack than the one he decided to keep (it's a pack we bought at some point but have never used - I think it's the right size but told him he needs to do a test pack and see how he feels about it)

Eagle Creek Explore 26L
Cotopaxi allpa 28L
Osprey Sojourn Porter 30
patagonia black hole mini mlc
Patagonia Refugi0 30L
Tom Bihn Synik
Evergood Civic Panel Loader
COR surf
Eddie Bauer Voyager 3.0 30l
LLBean Approach travel
Mother Lode EVD backpack (probably too small)
Topo global travel
That's quite a list! What are you packing and do you need to live out of it? Will you want to carry it on a spinner or 2 wheeled bag? I feel that some work/travel bag oriented bag designers lack the worthwhile heavy outdoor gear pack ergonomic lessons, even if it isn't pretty or sleek urban "digital nomad" look. 25L of tech gear and/or optical (cameras, birding optics) can really weigh a lot more than one might think. There is also no degree of "cute look" or "packability" which warrants a loaded up drawstring bag where the drawstring becomes the straps unless you want to give yourself sore shoulders.

I have the Tom Bihn Synik 22, Tom Bihn Synapse 19, and Timbuk2 Q 1.0 https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/...op-backpack-20
Synik's my favorite travel backpack for the full open which makes it easier for me to live out of with packing cubes. I do tend to travel with tech (people get surprised at how heavy I load the 19/22) + wheeled carry-on bag, so I like how it can be piggybacked and excellent backpack straps. I use the Q for work. It has no issues with a 15" Macbook but also interestingly, long enough for a full size Apple keyboard which isn't the case for many backpacks, especially at the smaller volume (I opted for a non-assigned desk). Also a useful side handle so I can lift it with two hands or have another angle to pull it out. Q 2.0 added the water bottle pocket and an office floor mate uses a 2.0 - she said filling out the interior tends to minimize the usable space for water bottle. We both agree that the back material will abrade outdoor style performance fabrics (aggravating when you have travel clothes/REI/Lululemon style stuff). Timbuk2 makes some pretty decent work bags for the price point. All of these bags feature built in organization which isn't everyone's packing style and may hinder those who prefer a large open area like several on the list feature. Friends have the Porter and eBags full size Mother Lode based on my recommendations as a mostly-carry-on or very weight conscious airlines/less urban/less developed travel.

I've also seen a Thule bag repeatedly over the years https://www.thule.com/en-us/backpack...pacity-1167089 which seemed to hold up quite well. It also has the benefit of being from an outdoor gear oriented company which should mean better strap cushioning, placement, and back panel.

There's a few other backpack or convertible bags in my travel carry-on hoard collection wardrobe including a few 2/3-way bags which are similar to Tom Bihn's new Trinity https://www.tombihn.com/collections/...42986040033469 https://www.amazon.co.jp/s?k=3+way+b...f=nb_sb_noss_1 which transition between crossbody and backpack mode. The shape reminds me a bit of the vintage airline flight bag which I presume was more of a satchel or boston bag which would efficiently fit in bins or under seat? Some of the convertible style bags with crossbody & backpack on your list open from the front and main/front compartment is not really meant to be accessed in the "briefcase mode". Others with the interior mesh partition or 50/50% clam shell style are really optimized for the "living out of while at location" and not accessing things on the go, as with some hard sided spinners you'd want a wide flat surface to access certain contents. Fine if it is mostly clothing and you can still pull out a sweater & entertainment while in flight?

Last edited by freecia; Nov 2, 2023 at 11:52 pm
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